About Antipolo Cathedral
Antipolo Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and International Shrine located in Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines. Officially the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, it enshrines the 17th-century wooden image of the Virgin Mary brought from Mexico. Established by the Jesuits in 1578, destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1954, it was declared a cathedral in 1983 and an International Shrine in 2023.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large modern church with a simple facade and spacious interior centered on the venerated image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage above the main altar. The complex includes a plaza, candle-lighting area, and adjacent museum. The surroundings are urban with shops selling religious souvenirs and local delicacies like suman and kasoy. Visitors can attend Mass, light candles, view religious art, and explore the shrine grounds.
Key highlights
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Venerated 17th-century image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
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Cathedral status and International Shrine designation by the Vatican in 2023
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Historic pilgrimage site for travelers and devotees since the Spanish colonial period
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Rebuilt post-World War II structure completed in 1954
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Adjacent museum displaying church history and religious artifacts
History of Antipolo Cathedral
Founded as a Jesuit mission in 1578, the church housed the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage brought from Acapulco, Mexico in 1626 by Governor-General Juan Niño de Tabora. The image made six galleon voyages between Manila and Acapulco. The original church was destroyed by bombing in 1945 during World War II. The present structure was completed in 1954. It was declared a cathedral with the creation of the Diocese of Antipolo in 1983 and declared an International Shrine in 2023, the first in the Philippines.
Culture & Context
Major Catholic pilgrimage center in the Philippines dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, regarded as patroness of travelers and sailors. Annual pilgrimage season (Alay Lakad) from late April to May draws thousands of devotees walking from Manila to Antipolo. The site is central to local religious traditions, blessing of vehicles, and devotion to the Virgin Mary.